Chapter 127: Next Generation of the Four Guardians

East Branch, South Lawn

Monica waited impatiently in a blue and green dress that matched her eyes. The stars waited behind her like a curtain of blossoming flowers that only added to her beautiful, charming smile. She saw Howard running towards her and took a deep breath. She didn't know how to tell him what happened to her the last month.

'I bet he'll be really impressed!' Monica bit her bottom lip, her smile widening, as Howard opened his arms and picked her up into the air. He smiled and instantly slammed her back into a tree before their lips touched together like two magnets.

"Mmm, hold on. We aren't upstairs yet." Monica tried to push Howard off her, but felt her knees go limp. Finally, she just gave into her feelings. She smiled and gently kissed him a few times before he retreated to stare into her gaze. "Heh, what's going on Howard. You seem so angsty. Is something wrong?"

"Can I tell you a secret?" Howard gently kissed her on the cheek and then slowly retreated a few steps. He took out a small package and handed it to Monica. "I got you a present. When you open it, I'll bet you be happy!"

"Howard, I'm seventeen tomorrow," Monica said with a gigantic blossoming smile. Her mascara had smudged a little bit when she clashed with Howard, however, she still looked extremely beautiful. She fluttered her eye brows and reached down to open the package. "How-how did you know my birthday?"

"Zack told me a long time ago," Howard laughed and grabbed her hand. "Ha, however, that's not your only gift! Wait until tomorrow! I'll surprise you more than you surprised me!"

"Ugh, and here I wanted to blame you for being six hours late," Monica gently smacked Howard in the cheek before leaning into kiss him one more time. She had a black cardigan on her dress that almost fell off from her quick attack with her lips.

Smiling at her advance, Howard put his arm around her. He pointed to the East Branch and took a deep breath.

"Monica, I have to go to a meeting now. Do you want to come?"

"I-I thought you'd get to see my surprise first. No fair," She hit him gently on the arm. "I-I wanted to fight you tonight! I wanted to show you who is boss!"

"You'll always be my boss," Howard smiled and walked into the East Branch's Main Building. "Heh, if you weren't my boss, why would I report to you if I want a new girlfriend? I think Jenny passed the test."

"Oh really? Did she keep you warm, you rascal," Monica grabbed his hand and smiled. "I'm kidding! Of course, she's approved! She's your childhood friend after all! She can sleep with us tomorrow night! However, tonight, for my birthday night, you're mine!"

"About that… I have to take some preemptive measures tonight, Monica. The Jarkales are going to be attacking from at least three sides. I have to go with Reslan to try and cut off their troops. If I don't, they'll most likely end up destroying us in 2 days. However, I can be back for yourbirthday. We can sleep all day then."

"You-you sounded like a leader right then, Howard. I think it's attractive," Monica sighed and pointed down the hallway. 

The East Branch's Main Building had an entire floor dedicated to Reslan, which included 3 meeting rooms, two dining halls, and a gigantic bedroom. The ceilings had to be 15 meters tall, and this single floor took up almost half the building. He even had a special stairwell that came from the outside called the giants staircase. Needless to say, it was an impressive site when they arrived. 

Monica sighed and pointed to the meeting room that she'd never been allowed to go in, and bit her lip one more time.

"Howard, kiss me one more time, okay. You're growing up fast and I'm scared."

"You're my angel. How about I kiss you once now, and once when I get back tonight. After the Jarkales have been dealt with. I promise, Monica, I'll be a man to protect everyone I love, including you."

"Howard, I'm not as crazy as I used to be…" Monica grabbed his hand tightly and caused a small black flame to appear on the edges of her hair. "I can control my Dark Ki thanks to you. I'm comfortable around Zack, and I regularly smile all the time."

"I-I was thinking. Would one more girlfriend be enough. I-I don't want to be lost in a sea of women when I want to sleep with you at night?"

"Heh, I'd be happy with just you, but of course! Heh, who do you have in mind?" Howard said while raising his brow with suspicion. She looked like she had a strange idea in mind. "I-I'm getting this weird vibe from you Monica."

"She's perfect for you! After the battle, I'll take you to meet her! Haha! My plan was super effective!" Monica cleared her throat when she heard Reslan walking towards her. The paintings of the Four Gaurdians on the wall shook, and Barabin's head tilted to the side. "Hehe, perhaps I'll even let you meet her sister if you're good! Ha, you lose Howard! You lose to my plan! You'll always owe me a favor for being the best girlfriend in the--" Monica got interrupted by Howard's lips and felt his tongue gently touch hers. She smiled and turned only to see Reslan staring down at her from near the hall lights. He was so big, she couldn't help but gulp. However, Howard didn't seem to notice.

"Howard, you're the next generation leader of the Four Guardians. However, I'd like you to meet someone special. A girl much stronger than you. Come in and meet her, shall you?"

"Go on Howard. Afterwards, you better make my birthday special!"

###

Reslan sat down at the top of the table and gently placed down a large ax he'd been carrying in his hand.

He hadn't been in a real battle in a long time and had been staying up all night. To make matters worse, Annibell had to stay in the Dark Bloodlands because the Exland Empire was going to drop off some new students.

On the surface, the Exland Empire had been working behind the scenes to destroy the deals that the Horned had made with them, so Annibell had to spend most of her time working with them. Hidden in a small room in the Dark Bloodlands was a small portal for communication that not a single student knew about. If they did, wouldn't they try to contact their parents and loved ones?

Regardless, they had to keep it a secret. If Monica knew her mother had put out a large bounty to rescue her, for instance, she might regret staying in the Furnace. He sighed. Monica's mother had even gone out of her way to contact the Exland Empire to ask for them to forgive Monica if she returned. Needless to say, things got confusing when multiple organizations had to work together.

Reslan gently sat down at a large chair at the table and pointed at a small seat for Howard. 

"That's your seat. Say hi to him, Priscilla. What are you waiting for?" Reslan sighed and saw his top student with her back facing to Howard. "Come on. You can't just ignore him."

"Priscilla, why do I know that name?" Howard raised his brow in disbelief. "No way, she isn't that Priscilla, is she?"